Sales at Leicestershire homeware group Dunelm surged in the run up to Christmas on the back of new stores and a big growth in online shoppers.

Total revenue for the period were almost £300 million - 13.6 per cent up on the same 13 weeks a year earlier.

Sales through Dunelm.com were up almost a third at £26.2 million, while sales through the newly added Worldstores.co.uk, Kiddicare.com and Achica.com sites added another £20 million.

The Syston chain opened five new stores in the quarter, including one relocation - a net increase of nine in the first six months of its financial year.

The total number of superstores now stands at 169, with no more planned this financial year.

Dunelm chairman Andy Harrison chairman said: "After a good first quarter, it is pleasing to see our sales momentum maintained with total sales growth, and like-for-like sales growth, of 13.6 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively in the second quarter.

"This performance is driving our continued market share gains.

"We are now up to 169 superstores having successfully opened five in the quarter.

"Continuing rapid like-for-like online growth, of 36.8 per cent in the first half, coupled with passing the first anniversary of the Worldstores acquisition, has helped our online sales grow to 16 per cent of total sales in the first half - 18.5 per cent including "Reserve and Collect".

"We are well on the way to becoming a genuine multi-channel retailer.

“Margins in our core Dunelm business have been maintained in the first half, although there has been a sales mix impact on margins from the Worldstores acquisition and the higher participation of seasonal and end of season products.

“Overall, we remain on track, with good sales growth and market share gains, offset by margin mix.